Animation Congregation: "Flight of Dragons" !

Gorbash and Carolinus, a dragon and his wizard

Redartz:  Greetings, animation fans!  If you were old enough to enjoy fantasy in the 80's, you may remember the film that provides today's subject. Flight of Dragons was originally released in 1982, and shown on ABC television in 1986. The film was produced by Rankin Bass Productions, the studio who gave us Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Frosty the Snowman, and the animated film "The Hobbit". The film was a blending of two separate books: "Flight of Dragons" by Peter Dickinson, and "The Dragon and the George" by Gordon R.Dickson. The screenplay was written by Romeo Muller for Rankin/Bass, and the music was courtesy of Maury Laws (another Rankin/Bass veteran). The opening title song, incidentally, was sung by Don McLean (of "American Pie" fame). 

The story , somewhat briefly: 

Ommadon, the Red Wizard

The Green Wizard, Carolinus, overseer of the natural world, becomes concerned that the world of

Carolinus, the Green Wizard

magic seems to be fading as man puts more faith in technology. He calls a meeting with his brother wizards Solarius the Blue Wizard (who oversees the heavens and the sea), Lo Te Zhao the Yellow Wizard (light and enlightenment), and Ommadon the Red Wizard (wielder of black magic, master of darkness). Carolinus plans to create a "realm of magic" as a haven for dragons, fairies, and all such magical beings. All agree but Ommadon, who refuses to submit to a world of science. He vows to bend mankind's  science towards evil ends,  resulting in the end of humankind and a world ripe for Ommadon's domination. 

Lao Te Zhao, the Yellow Wizard

Solarius, the Blue Wizard

As the wizards are forbidden to battle each other, Carolinus devises a quest to defeat Ommadon. The group he selects include a knight, Sir Orrin Neville Smythe, Carolinus' dragons Smrgol and Gorbash, and a young man from the far future: "Sir Peter", Peter Dickinson (a man of 20th. century science, descended from a heroic ancestor, and possessed with a fondness for fantasy and dragons).Carolinus and his ward, the Princess Melisande, await the group and follow it's progress (Melisande having some abilitiy as a seer). 

Melisande and Sir Peter

The group experiences many of the troubles and triumphs any fantasy adventurer would recognize: attacks by ogres and mind-crippling Sand Murks, giant worms and capture by elves. They gain allies in the elven leader, Giles, a wolf Aragh, and Danielle, a human archer. One big challenge that the group must deal with is the inadvertent melding of Sir Peter with the dragon Gorbash: Peter has no idea how to actually be a dragon; to fly or use his breath. His education, courtesy of the older Smurgol, is an ongoing source of amusement.

Gorbash and Smyrgol

Of course, the film is titled "Flight of Dragons", and the creatures are seen everywhere. As the band of adventurers approach Ommadon's land, the dark wizard sets a staggering armada of dragons upon them. The battles prove costly and the group suffer many casualties. In the end, though, Sir Peter overcomes Ommadon's magic by denying it, and answering Ommadon's spells with science. Sadly, by denying magic, Peter is then expelled from the world of fantasy, back to his 20th. century world (leaving behind Melisande, whom he had fallen for). But fear not, having seen his group succeed, Carolinus and his brothers create the protective Magical Realm. Melisande asks to join her beloved hero, and Carolinus reluctantly send her forward in time to join him.

The movie is charming in many ways. It has appealing visuals, reminiscent of Rankin/Bass' "Hobbit". The film's soundtrack carries the story along nicely, and McLean's title song is rather haunting. It has numerous engaging tidbits; one example is Carolinus' 'library of unfinished books' (containing such tomes as "Wizard of Oz" and "Flight of Dragons").  But perhaps the movie's biggest strength is the vocal cast.

 "Flight" featured a stellar array of voice talent:
Harry Morgan (Carolinus), James Earl Jones (Ommadon), Victor Buono (Aragh), John Ritter (Peter Dickinson), James Gregory (Smyrgol), Paul Frees (Solarius), Don Messick, Larry Storch, Bob McFadden, and others. In particular, Harry Morgan's Carolinus really appealed to me. I always admired his portrayal of Col. Sherman Potter on M*A*S*H. Morgan brings the same sympathetic irascibility to this role. Indeed, Carolinus becomes my favorite character in the film, overshadowing the protagonist Peter.

One notable element of the film is the way it cleverly incorporates explanations for dragon lore using scientific basis (as done in Dickinson's novel). The whole science/magic dichotomy is addressed throughout the film, and is satisfied nicely at the finale. This aspect of the film was particularly

meaningful to me, and to our little group at the time. By group, I mean our "Dungeons and Dragons" gathering; each week about six of us would meet and role-play. Usually 'D&D', but at times Superheroic games, or Risk, or a very cool game called Talisman (another future topic, rest assured). But on the night Flight of Dragons was broadcast, we abandoned our game board and dice, gathering around the small tv in my apartment. We all enjoyed it wholeheartedly. Doubtlessly we saw a kindred spirit in Peter,  with his modern background and interest in fantasy. At any rate, we all applauded at the end. 

It was many years before I saw the film again- my wife surprised me with the DVD for Christmas. I remembered the movie with great fondness, and wasn't disappointed upon watching it again. Perhaps less 'sophisticated' than some more recent fantasy adventures; "Flight" is quite 'family friendly'. However, it has heart, and wit, and warmth, and humor. If you haven't seen it, give it a try. It may charm you as well.